Effys pov
I stood there, looking up at my big brother Kian. He was wearing his uniform, ready to leave for the war. He always teased me and Logan, but today he looked so serious. I could see the worry in his eyes, but he tried to hide it. He ruffled my hair, something he always did to annoy me, but today it felt different. It felt like he was saying goodbye. Logan stood beside me, his arms crossed and his face solemn. He didn't say anything, but I could see the sadness in his eyes. He and Kian never got along, but even he was quiet now. My mom and dad were standing nearby, their faces pale and worried. Mom was holding back tears, but Dad tried to stay strong. He looked at Kian and nodded, trying to hide his fear.
We all stood there in silence, not knowing what to say. Finally, Kian broke the silence, and his voice cracked a little. "Well, I guess this is it. I'm off to war."
Logan snorted beside me and rolled his eyes, trying to act tough. But I knew he was just as scared as the rest of us.
Mom couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She rushed forward and hugged Kian tightly, burying her face in his chest. Dad put a hand on Kian's shoulder, his eyes filled with pride and sadness.
"Atlest you don't have to stay with some stupid strangers cause of the war" logan says.My dad shot a sharp look at Logan, but Kian just chuckled. He ruffled Logan's hair affectionately, which made my brother scowl. He didn't like being treated like a little kid.
"Don't worry, squirt. You'll be okay. I'll come back soon, alright?" Kian spoke trying not to cry
"Okay logan,effy let's get you two on the train" our dad says.I felt a lump form in my throat as Dad's words hit me. This was really happening. We were going on the train, away from our family and home. I looked up at Kian, hoping for a final reassurance, but he just ruffled my hair again, a gesture that felt more affectionate than annoying for once.
"Take care of each other, alright? I'll see you both soon." Kian added.Logan grumbled something under his breath, still trying to act tough. But I could see the fear and sadness in his eyes. I felt my own emotions well up inside me, and I bit my lip to hold back tears.
" Yeah, yeah. We'll be fine. Just come back in one piece, you big idiot." Logan mumbles.Kian let out a laugh that sounded a little forced, but his eyes softened as he looked at us. He gave us a final nod, then turned to our parents. They exchanged a wordless look, full of worry and love, then reluctantly released their embrace.
Mom was openly crying now, her eyes red and puffy. Dad's face was stoic, but his jaw was tense. They stood beside each other, hand in hand, watching us and Kian.I took a deep breath, trying to push down my own emotions for the moment. I looked at Kian, mustering up a courage I didn't entirely feel.
"We'll be okay, Kian. You just...you have to be safe, alright? Don't do anything stupid." The girl said. Kian smiled, his eyes softening. He knelt down so he was at my eye level, taking my small hand in his. His grip was firm and reassuring.
I reluctantly turned away from Kian, following Logan onto the train. Dad had gotten us special compartment tickets, but even the fancy surroundings couldn't ease the growing anxiety in my chest. As we took our seats, Logan immediately went to the window and looked out. I could see the back of his head, his shoulders hunched as if he was trying to hide his emotions. I sat down heavily, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me.
I forced myself to look back out the window and wave goodbye to my family. It was a simple gesture, but it felt impossibly hard. My mom was still sobbing, her handkerchief pressed to her mouth. Dad had his arm around her, his eyes filled with sadness and worry. Kian stood stoically, his hands in his pockets. But as he looked at us, I could see the sorrow in his eyes. He lifted his hand in a small wave, and then the train started to move, slowly pulling away from the platform.
